First teams to lead charge for B grade

Kildalkey have previous at this level and could contend again

Much like the IHC itself, IHC B competition has two standout contenders. And while it will be an entertaining championship, Wolfe Tones and Boardsmill are expected to battle it out at the business end for the title.

The other four teams in the championship are second-string sides from Kildalkey, Kilmessan, Trim and Kiltale and while Kildalkey especially have found plenty of success with their reserve teams in the recent past it is hard to look beyond determined first teams.

Wolfe Tones are probably favourites with good reason. They are boosted by some quality players who are probably better known for their exploits on the football pitch for the Tones and Rathkenny. In Meath inter-county star Eoin Donegan, the Tones have one of the most talented hurlers in the championship and he will be crucial to them if they want to secure promotion up to the IHC top tier.

They won't have it all their own way though, Boardsmill are a competitive hurling outfit. Under the guidance of John Rafferty, Boardsmill will be hopeful of making an equally strong bid as the Tones. During the HL DIV 3, both sides finished level on points so there is not a lot between the pair.

There is probably a little bit of a gap to the chasing pack but the team likely to cause the two favourites the most issues is Kildalkey. Mickey Cole is double-jobbing as he takes the managerial role of the first and second teams in Kildalkey, and the man who has won an SHC title both as a player and manager will surely get a tune out of the second-string side.

Kilmessan probably have a slight edge over the remaining three teams and it is likely that Trim and Kiltale will be battling for their status in the competition.